Frame construction



Nov. 6, 1928.

F. A. WHITTEN FRAME CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 15, 1925 Patented .Nov. 6, 1928.1

vUNITEDS'iwf-11:25

1,690,351 PA'r1-2Mi-Ollflfat.`

FRANK A. WRITTEN, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO GENERAL MOTOR-S COR- j POBATIONfOFfDETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION ,0F DELAWARE;

FRAME CONSTRUCTION.

- pplicationled August 15, 1925. Serial No.Vi50,435.

The object ofthe invention is to provide an improved frame construction which will be strong and resist weaving and` distortion. In its preferred form my frame embodies 6 channel iron side frame members having down-turned ends and aplateconnecting the side frame members, the plate having portions secured to the opposed flanges of the channel irons. The part of the plate conn necting the last named portions, and the op posite side of the plate which is inclined to conform to the curvature of the down-turned ends of the side frame members make the plate7 in effect, a shallow channel member possessing considerable rigidity.

' I have also preferably formed my plate to provide outwardly projecting supports for the body sills of the vehicle. These supports may be of angular shape to provide the 2 requisite strength. t

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view with parts broken away showing my improved construction; and

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the construction shown in Figure V1.

The reference character 2 indicates a pair of side frame members having down turned end portions t to which the springs are usually secured. The side frame members 2 are of channel iron having their channels inwardly facing and are connected by a plate 6 having portions 8 secured to the lower flanges of the channels and portions 10 secured to the upper flanges of the channels. The connecting portion l2 of the plate is preferably inclined and the ends thereof are preferably cut away as at 15 to clear one of the flanges. The portions 10 of the plate preferably conform to the curvature of the downturned endsfl of the side frame mem bers. With this `construction the plate 6 constitutes, in effect, a shallow channel member thereby supplying the required rigidity.

The-plate is shown provided with outwardly projecting parts 1/1 which serve to support the ends of the customary body sill, indicated at 16. In order that these parts may have the requisite strength the plate is preferably crimped to form what constitutes, in effect, an angle shaped member 17 with which the parts 14 are integral. The plate is preferably secured to the side Jframe members adjacent the legs of the angle port-ion 17, as shown at 18 and 20, to prevent spreading of the angle under load.

It is apparent that I have, by this coiistruction, provided a l simple rigid frame construction which will resist weaving and one which also preferably embodies sill sup'- porting means thereby eiiiiiinating separate for this purpose.

I claim:

brackets or cross members customarily used 1. The combination of a' pair of channelr iron side frame members having the'channels thereof opening inwardly, a plate-like member having opposite extending portions secured to the opposite flanges of said chan-V nels, said member having the portions between said fiaiiges out away to clear one of vature of the down turned portions of the Y channel irons, and upwardly extending portions connecting the first named portions.

3; The combination of a plurality of side frame ymembers, a plate-lilre member connecting the side frame members, the platelike member having a crimped portion, form- `ing an angular ridge in the plate-like member spaced from the side frame members, and extending' transversely of the frame and beyond the marginal edges of the plate-like member and the side frame members, to afford a support for a body sill, and means for securing the plate-like member to the side frame members on either side of the ridge.

4. A trans-verse chassis frame member lto 'connect a pair of longitudinal channel shaped chassis frame members, consisting of a plate-like member having a portion to be secured` to the upper fia-nge off a channel member and an oppositely extending por tion to be secured to the lower flange of a channel member, and an integral member formed on said upper portion and projecting beyond the margins of the plate-like member to serve as a support for a body sill.

5. The combination of a pair of channel iron side frame members having the channels thereof opening inwardly, a plate-like member having portions secured to the op- 5 posite flanges of said channels, said member being out away between said portions to clear one of the flanges, said plate-like member being formed to provide an angled member extending transversely of the frame and having ends projecting outwardly therebeyond, said ends serving as supliorts for the body sills.

In testimony whereof I aflix my Signature.

FRANK A. WHITTEN. 

